So this morning when I woke up, there were clouds in the sky and some relief from the oppressive heat. While it will still reach 100 degrees today, compared to yesterday, it is a much needed breath of fresh air. (OK it’s the valley…the air is never really “fresh”) According to the weather reports, we have at least nine more days of triple digits, which makes today’s cool breeze only a brief respite. So where am I now? I am sitting outside while I can! There is a slight breeze and the clouds are doing a good job of keeping those scorching rays at bay. As I sit here enjoying the little bit of heaven, it reminded me of a prayer that I had yesterday.
There is a gal at our church who is going through cancer treatments. As I was thinking 
and praying for her, I just asked God to give her some normalcy. Just a little something that day to remind her of what life would be like after her treatments were done. Just a little relief from the pain and stress she is going through. It was exciting for me to hear her post later that morning, that she had taken a small but encouraging step. It was not the “end of the tunnel” for her, but just a bit of light to keep on going.
It was just a bit of relief. Sometimes though, that is all we get. It’s hard, because what we
really want is that breakthrough. That resolution to our problem, illness, finances or situation. What we get though most of the time, is just a little relief. That little bit of calm encouragement, in whatever form it takes, that allows us to continue down the road we are on.
So if you’re walking that tough road, whatever it may be, look for those moments of relief. Don’t miss them. They are hope given to you today, that gives strength for the steps you will take tomorrow.
The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. Psalm 69:32
Some years ago I was at a conference listening to a Priscilla Shirer, who writes bible studies, books and speaks to encourage women. I totally enjoyed her talk, but there was one point she made that became something that I try to live by. She told the group of women, “don’t be spoon fed the gospel.”
What happens when you focus so much on yourself and your own problems that you can’t see anything else? I have gone through so many different emotions today. I woke up and was feeling pretty down. I am feeling some stress from the decisions I have made, and so I was trying to work out some of my feelings. (wow….used the word feelings a lot) Maybe that was my problem this morning? So many feelings, but so little perspective.
Well I was spending some time with someone recently that I wasn’t particularly excited about. You know…. It is one of those situations where you are going to have to hear their story again, and it is kind of heavy. He had fallen on hard times, and had started questioning God. 
“It was my goal in life to be beautiful,” she told me. Well my friend, I couldn’t help but think, you have reached your goal. Ericka Vega is a buddy that I’ve known for a couple of years now, and I wondered what she was up to these days. I messaged her on FaceBook and invited myself over for an interrogation… I mean an interview.
I once had a dream where I was swinging a baseball bat. The problem? I wasn’t playing baseball. I was swinging away at things (I’m not even sure what?) just smashing objects at will. When I woke up and remembered my dream, I could still recall the anger and frustration I had felt. It was really weird to see myself that frustrated, even if it was in a dream. It was a bit scary to realize that this anger and frustration was buried in my sub conscious. Like I said, the first time I had the dream, I was dealing with teenage boys. I love my children and the men they are becoming, but there was a time that they were struggling badly. Really….it was hard! 
Cheryl Mendoza 